Single motherhood by choice in Sweden: survey of unanticipated support needs and financial challenges

What are the backgrounds, treatment motives, experiences of mandatory psychosocial evaluation, support needs, post-birth financial circumstances, and reflections on motherhood among single mothers by choice who received publicly or privately funded treatment in Sweden?

A cross-sectional, anonymous, web-based survey was conducted in 2022 and completed by 256 single mothers by choice with children under five years conceived through assisted reproduction with donated gametes. Outcomes were analyzed by funding source.

Participants were aged 28-48 years; 53.9% had received publicly funded treatment. Most (87.1%) held a university, master's, or PhD degree, with a median salary of €3,600. At treatment, 47.7% had been single for more than four years, and 25.4% chose single motherhood for reasons beyond partner absence, such as a desire for sole custody. Obstetric complications were reported by 48.8%. Substantial proportions were dissatisfied with practical support from family or friends (23% and 42%, respectively). After childbirth, 35.5% reduced employment, and 22.7% reported worse-than-expected finances due to unforeseen expenses or instability. Despite these challenges, 98.8% expressed no regret, and 45.3% planned additional children. Findings were largely similar across funding groups. Exceptions included privately funded women, who were older and more likely to report plans to remain voluntarily single, express dissatisfaction with workplace and healthcare support and question the psychosocial evaluation.

Single mothers by choice in Sweden are generally well educated and financially stable at treatment initiation but often face greater-than-expected challenges after childbirth, including medical complications, reduced income, and limited support. Nevertheless, most remain confident in their decision, reflecting long-term planning and strong reproductive agency. Funding source had minimal impact on post-birth financial hardship.